Have you talked to your soothsayer or medicine man yet about what they see in their tea leaves about health care for 2014? Certainly with all the moving parts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and other initiatives in the employer and medical communities, there usually tends to be quite a bit of prognostication of pending opportunities. And there may be some amazing possibilities to take advantage of by all stakeholders. Here are six things you should know about this new year:

1. Guaranteed issue: Beginning in 2014, health insurance companies cannot deny health insurance coverage to an individual based on a pre-existing condition. They must give coverage to anyone who applies, and it cannot cost more if you are sick. The cost of health insurance premiums cannot vary based on health status for children or adults. Premiums may only vary based on age, geography, family size and tobacco use. The law also restricts how much premiums can vary based on age.

2. Taxation, with representation. The penalties are phased in. In 2014, the penalty is $95 per uninsured adult (the penalty for uninsured children is always half the adult amount, but in 2014 there's a $325 cap for a family) or 1 percent of taxable household income, whichever is greater. There are some exceptions though. You are exempt if you fall into any of these categories:

• You can't find a premium for a qualified plan through your state health exchange that is less than 8 percent of your adjusted gross income;
• Your income is below the tax filing threshold;
• You have a hardship waiver;
• You are not covered for a period of less than three months during the year;
• You have a religious objection;
• You're a member of a health care sharing ministry;
• You're a member of an Indian Tribe;
• You're incarcerated; or
• You're not legally present in the U.S.

Also read: What's ahead in 2014 for PPACA